ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020)
(Test Method)Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Rate of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Rate of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
5.1 The results of this test method will indicate the relative permeability by water of the tape through its smallest dimension (generally normal to the tape's backing).
5.1.1 The pathway for the water parallel to the adhesive-cup interface is great compared to the tape's thickness and the latter is usually the nearly exclusive source of transmitted water.
5.1.2 Some tape types allow a relatively free path in a direction normal to the backing or along backing pathways parallel to the adhesive-cup interface, allowing the adhesive to become the principal barrier.
5.2 If the adhesive does not continue to adhere to the cup flange during the exposure periods, allowing unintended pathways for water to occur, the measurement should be considered as not having been made. Consequently, the tape might be considered as being inappropriate for use on surfaces like the cup flange under moisture conditions approximating those of the test.
Note 1: It may be that the interest is simply in the tape material as a water barrier. In this case how well the tape adheres to the cup flange may be of little consequence and steps to prevent any edge effects are in order. These are referred to in Section 10.
SCOPE
1.1 This test method provides one procedure for measuring the water penetration rate of 2-in. or wider pressure-sensitive tape.
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be equivalent; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way.
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 30-Sep-2020
- Technical Committee
- D10 - Packaging
- Drafting Committee
- D10.14 - Tape and Labels
Relations
- Refers
ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2019) - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes - Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2019
- Effective Date
- 15-Mar-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2011
- Refers
ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2011) - Standard Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2007
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2004
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2002
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2001
- Effective Date
- 10-Apr-2001
Overview
ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020) establishes a standard test method for measuring the water penetration rate of pressure-sensitive tapes that are at least 2 inches (50 mm) wide. Developed by ASTM, this method is widely recognized for defining how to determine the relative water permeability of tapes, particularly the effectiveness of tape materials and adhesives as barriers against water intrusion. By providing a consistent and repeatable procedure, this standard supports quality assurance in the manufacture, selection, and use of pressure-sensitive tapes in applications where water resistance is critical.
Key Topics
- Purpose of the Standard: Measures the rate at which water penetrates through pressure-sensitive tapes, specifically focusing on the smallest dimension-typically perpendicular to the tape’s backing.
- Test Method Overview:
- Tape specimens are adhered to test cups containing desiccant and weighed.
- Assemblies are submerged under a specified head of water for a set duration.
- The difference in mass before and after exposure is used to calculate water penetration.
- Effectiveness of Adhesive and Backing:
- The adhesive and tape backing arrangement serves as the principal barrier to water.
- If adhesion fails during testing, results are invalid, indicating unsuitability under moist conditions.
- Tape barrier properties may be considered independently from adhesive performance if only the material’s water resistance is of interest.
- Reporting Requirements:
- Detailed record of the method and any deviations.
- Comprehensive report of measured water penetration rates, the number of samples, and test tape identification.
Applications
- Packaging and Labeling: Ensures tape reliability for cartons, boxes, and packages subject to humidity or water exposure during shipping and storage.
- Construction and Building Materials: Assesses the suitability of sealing tapes used for moisture barriers in building wraps, vapor retarders, and insulation systems.
- Electrical and Electronic Components: Validates protective tapes used for wire harnessing, splicing, and moisture insulation.
- Aerospace and Defense: Complies with strict quality and environmental demands where water ingress could compromise safety or performance.
- Consumer Goods: Guides selection of pressure-sensitive tapes in products requiring water resistance, including outdoor or high-moisture environments.
By offering a standardized method for evaluating the water penetration characteristics of pressure-sensitive tapes, ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020) helps manufacturers, quality assurance professionals, and end-users to make informed decisions about product performance and suitability.
Related Standards
For enhanced measurement accuracy and consistency, the following ASTM standards are commonly referenced alongside ASTM D3816/D3816M:
- ASTM D996 - Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environments
- ASTM D3715/D3715M - Practice for Quality Assurance of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
- ASTM D4332 - Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or Packaging Components for Testing
- ASTM E122 - Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate the Average for a Characteristic of a Lot or Process
These related standards provide guidance on terminology, quality assurance practices, sample preparation, and statistical methods, complementing the water penetration test procedure and supporting comprehensive pressure-sensitive tape evaluation.
Keywords: ASTM D3816, water penetration rate, pressure-sensitive tape, tape water barrier, permeability test, tape adhesive performance, packaging tape standards, moisture resistance, ASTM test method.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020) is a standard published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Test Method for Water Penetration Rate of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The results of this test method will indicate the relative permeability by water of the tape through its smallest dimension (generally normal to the tape's backing). 5.1.1 The pathway for the water parallel to the adhesive-cup interface is great compared to the tape's thickness and the latter is usually the nearly exclusive source of transmitted water. 5.1.2 Some tape types allow a relatively free path in a direction normal to the backing or along backing pathways parallel to the adhesive-cup interface, allowing the adhesive to become the principal barrier. 5.2 If the adhesive does not continue to adhere to the cup flange during the exposure periods, allowing unintended pathways for water to occur, the measurement should be considered as not having been made. Consequently, the tape might be considered as being inappropriate for use on surfaces like the cup flange under moisture conditions approximating those of the test. Note 1: It may be that the interest is simply in the tape material as a water barrier. In this case how well the tape adheres to the cup flange may be of little consequence and steps to prevent any edge effects are in order. These are referred to in Section 10. SCOPE 1.1 This test method provides one procedure for measuring the water penetration rate of 2-in. or wider pressure-sensitive tape. 1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be equivalent; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 5.1 The results of this test method will indicate the relative permeability by water of the tape through its smallest dimension (generally normal to the tape's backing). 5.1.1 The pathway for the water parallel to the adhesive-cup interface is great compared to the tape's thickness and the latter is usually the nearly exclusive source of transmitted water. 5.1.2 Some tape types allow a relatively free path in a direction normal to the backing or along backing pathways parallel to the adhesive-cup interface, allowing the adhesive to become the principal barrier. 5.2 If the adhesive does not continue to adhere to the cup flange during the exposure periods, allowing unintended pathways for water to occur, the measurement should be considered as not having been made. Consequently, the tape might be considered as being inappropriate for use on surfaces like the cup flange under moisture conditions approximating those of the test. Note 1: It may be that the interest is simply in the tape material as a water barrier. In this case how well the tape adheres to the cup flange may be of little consequence and steps to prevent any edge effects are in order. These are referred to in Section 10. SCOPE 1.1 This test method provides one procedure for measuring the water penetration rate of 2-in. or wider pressure-sensitive tape. 1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each system may not be equivalent; therefore, each system must be used independently, without combining values in any way. 1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 55.040 - Packaging materials and accessories. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2019), ASTM D4332-13, ASTM E122-09e1, ASTM D3715/D3715M-98(2011), ASTM D996-10a, ASTM E122-09, ASTM E122-07, ASTM D4332-01(2006), ASTM D996-04, ASTM D996-02, ASTM D996-99, ASTM D4332-01e2, ASTM D4332-99, ASTM D4332-00, ASTM D4332-01. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM D3816/D3816M-96(2020) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: D3816/D3816M − 96 (Reapproved 2020)
Standard Test Method for
Water Penetration Rate of Pressure-Sensitive Tapes
This standard is issued under the fixed designation D3816/D3816M; the number immediately following the designation indicates the
year of original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last
reapproval. A superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
This standard has been approved for use by agencies of the U.S. Department of Defense.
1. Scope 3. Terminoloy
3.1 Definitions— General terms in this test method are
1.1 This test method provides one procedure for measuring
the water penetration rate of 2-in. or wider pressure-sensitive defined in Terminology D996.
tape.
4. Summary of Test Method
1.2 The values stated in either SI or inch-pound units are to
4.1 The pressure-sensitive tape to be tested is secured by its
be regarded separately as standard. The values stated in each
adhesive to a test cup containing a desiccant. The assembly is
system may not be equivalent; therefore, each system must be
weighed, then reweighed following submersion under a speci-
used independently, without combining values in any way.
fied head of water for a specified period of time. The gain in
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
weight is used to calculate the water penetration rate.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro- 5. Significance and Use
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
5.1 The results of this test method will indicate the relative
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
permeability by water of the tape through its smallest dimen-
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor-
sion (generally normal to the tape’s backing).
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
5.1.1 The pathway for the water parallel to the adhesive-cup
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
interfaceisgreatcomparedtothetape’sthicknessandthelatter
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
is usually the nearly exclusive source of transmitted water.
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
5.1.2 Some tape types allow a relatively free path in a
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
direction normal to the backing or along backing pathways
parallel to the adhesive-cup interface, allowing the adhesive to
2. Referenced Documents
become the principal barrier.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
5.2 If the adhesive does not continue to adhere to the cup
D996 Terminology of Packaging and Distribution Environ-
flange during the exposure periods, allowing unintended path-
ments
waysforwatertooccur,themeasurementshouldbeconsidered
D3715/D3715M Practice for QualityAssurance of Pressure-
as not having been made. Consequently, the tape might be
Sensitive Tapes
considered as being inappropriate for use on surfaces like the
D4332 Practice for Conditioning Containers, Packages, or
cup flange under moisture conditions approximating those of
Packaging Components for Testing
the test.
E122 Practice for Calculating Sample Size to Estimate,With
NOTE 1—It may be that the interest is simply in the tape material as a
Specified Precision, the Average for a Characteristic of a
water barrier. In this case how well the tape adheres to the cup flange may
Lot or Process
be of little consequence and steps to prevent any edge effects are in order.
These are referred to in Section 10.
6. Apparatus
This test method is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee D10 on
6.1 Test Cups, made from materials that are nonhygro-
Packaging and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee D10.14 on Tape and
Labels.
scopic.The cup shall have a zero water vapor transmission rate
Current edition approved Oct. 1, 2020. Published October 2020. Originally
approved in 1979. Last previous edition approved in 2012 as D3816/
D3816M – 96 (2012). DOI: 10.1520/D3816_D3816M-96R20. The sole source of supply of the apparatus known to the committee at this time
For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or is Chemsultants International, 9349 Hamilton Dr., Mentor, OH 44061–1118. If you
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the ASTM website. meeting of the responsible technical committee, which you may attend.
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D3816/D3816M − 96 (2020)
(WVTR). The cups shall be rectangular with a flat, smooth, 10.2 Fill the test cup to within approximately 3 mm [ ⁄8 in.]
rigid flange and shall have the following dimensions: of the opening with the anhydrous calcium chloride and make
sure it will not come into contact with the adhesive of the
Flange:
Outside–50.8 by 152.4 ± 0.5 mm [2.0 by 6.0 ± 0.02 in.].
specimen.
Inside (opening) –25.4 by 101.6 ± 0.5 mm [1.0 by 4.0 ± 0.02 in.].
Body:
10.3 Apply the specimen to the flange, adhesive against it,
Inside–25.4 by 101.6 by 38.1 (depth) ± 0.5 mm [1.0 by 4.0 by 1.5 (depth) ±
allowingnobubblesorwrinkles.Usefingerpressuretoachieve
0.02 in.].
this. When the sample material is larger than the specimen
The mass shall not exceed 80 % of the balance capacity used
dimension, trim it to the edges of the flange.
in weighing.
10.3.1 When the adhesive is lacking or has insufficient
6.2 Desiccant, calcium chloride, anhydrous, passing a No. 8
bonding strength to the flange to maintain a seal during the
[2.36-mm] sieve.
exposure period, and when the parties concerned are interested
exclusively in the barrier properties for pathways normal to the
NOTE 2—Regenerate calcium chloride to a sufficientl
...
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